On September 16, 2024, the State Department introduced an updated version of the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This program is a free service for U.S. citizens living or traveling abroad to receive safety and security alerts via email from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
The revamped STEP aims to be more user-friendly with new features that allow users to customize the information they wish to receive and specify the duration for which they want updates. Current enrollees are advised to re-enroll in order to continue receiving updates.
The program's purpose is to keep U.S. citizens informed about important safety and security information, making it easier for embassies and consulates to contact them during emergencies. Alerts may include local security conditions, transit disruptions, weather warnings, and notices about Town Hall meetings for U.S. citizens in Guyana.
Enrollment in STEP is free and can be done by visiting https://step.state.gov/ where users can create an account and set their notification preferences.
While STEP is designed for U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents traveling with U.S. citizen family members are encouraged to enroll under the name of a U.S. citizen family member and list others as "Accompanying Travelers."
Parents who are not U.S. citizens but have minor children who are can also enroll their children if residing in Guyana using their contact details while ensuring the account is under the child's name.
In cases where travelers do not enroll but require assistance while in Guyana, embassies will still provide help; however, proactive communication regarding safety or security conditions will not be possible without prior registration in STEP.
"Ask the Consul" is a monthly column from the U.S. Embassy addressing questions on immigration law and other consular topics. Detailed visa information can be accessed at https://gy.usembassy.gov/, https://ais.usvisa-info.com/, and https://travel.state.gov/. Information on American Citizen Services is available at https://gy.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/.
Applicants are advised to prepare their own documents without relying on third-party advice due to frequent changes in consular processes that may render non-governmental guidance inadequate or inaccurate. For general visa inquiries, contact details are provided at https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-gy/niv/information/contact_us.